A new Governing Board for the Defence Industries Holding Company Limited (DIHOC) has been officially inaugurated, marking a significant advancement in Ghana’s initiative to develop a vibrant defence manufacturing sector and expedite national industrialisation.
The inauguration occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025, subsequent to the 44th Guard Changing Ceremony at the Jubilee House and a strategic meeting between President John Dramani Mahama and key officials aimed at intensifying the battle against illegal mining.
Minister of Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, who administered the oath, referred to it as a “milestone moment” for both national security and economic transformation.
“I am eager to collaborate with the Board to establish a robust institution that will propel Ghana’s industrialisation agenda and secure our nation’s future,” Dr. Omane Boamah expressed in a Facebook post.
Dr. Boamah articulated an ambitious vision for DIHOC—to establish Ghana as a center for defence manufacturing, technological innovation, and strategic global partnerships.
Central to this vision is the creation of a Defence Industrial Complex (DIC), anticipated to generate thousands of decent, well-paying jobs while bolstering the country’s self-reliance and industrial capacity.
The newly inaugurated board will spearhead this transformation, guiding the implementation of essential defence sector initiatives that align with Ghana’s broader objective of achieving a 24-hour economy and inclusive growth.
The board is chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi. The complete composition of the board includes:
- Emmanuel A. Kartey, Chief Director, Ministry of Defence
- Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, Chief of Defence Staff
- Brig. Gen. Kwaku Dankwa Hagan
- Brig. Gen. Charles Gbekle
- Kojo Gyeke Darko
- Vida Addae
- Emmanuel Drah, Member of Parliament
- Col. John Asabre (Rtd)
The government has committed its full support to the board as it embarks on the task of transforming DIHOC into a fundamental component of Ghana’s industrial and defence infrastructure.
